Lyrical Painting

How did you express a song through visual imagery?​​The song I chose to express through my painting was, "Desert Sunrise" by Brett Dennen. The lyrics I used were "A desert sunrise, you warm my soul, embracing me in shades of clay, covering me whole." I was able to express this song by using key words that were meaningful to me out of these lyrics. I chose to paint a sun as my image representing its power in the desert (hint the color of black). I used the natural colors of clay and desert rock to represent the desert. Growing up, I was always surrounded in the desert camping, climbing, repelling, biking, and it feels like home to me, this is why I chose the word "embrace" because I feel embraced and at home in the desert. I remember the first time I got up early to watch the sunrise was in the desert, and ever since, I haven't missed a sunrise while in the desert.What was your process of layering paint, and challenges?The process of paint layering I used was a wash. I chose reds and browns and golds to represent the desert colors and the color of clay. I used a spray bottle to make my colors drip and wash together along with a rag to add texture to my painting. I did several layers and then ended with layering some gold over the top to finish the painting with a golden look (like the sunrise).How did it evolve from start to finish?My painting evolved from start to finish through starting with a very simple wash of red and brown and then adding more shades and shimmery colors like bronze and gold. My sun image was very clear and bold at first, but I began to wash over the sun and make it more hidden. I drew on the lyrics very heavy and clear but used a matter bottle and more paint to hide the lyrics but keep some of the most meaningful ones to me visible. My painting ended with gold streaks as a finish representing the sun shimmering on the desert colors. What emotions are you trying to evoke and how?The emotions I am trying to evoke through my paining are calm earthy and comforting emotions represented by the colors I incorporate into my painting. The image of the sun is trying to represent emotions of happiness, boldness, and brightness. The lyrics on my painting are meant to evoke feelings of closeness, comfort, wholeness, and peace.

Chiaroscuro Project

Acrylic Transfer Project: Utah Views

Most challenging part of the project: The most challenging part of this project was blending my acrylic transfer into the canvas and the wash. This was difficult because it took detail, technique, and focus, to make the photo on the canvas look as realistic as possible.

The most fun part of the project: The most fun part of this project was creating the wash and deciding on colors. I am in love with Utah, so painting with the colors of my favorite place was rad.

​Learning about washes: Learning about washes opened a whole new style of art for me. I love the "messy" style with a creative approach.